Cognitive approach to treating depression

Question 1

What is cognitive behaviour therapy?

Answer 1

-a method for treating mental disorders based on cognitive and behavioural techniques

Question 2

Outline Becks cognitive therapy

Answer 2

-identify automatic thoughts about world, self & future
-thoughts must be challenged
-therapy helps to test the reality of their negative beliefs
- set them homework (record when they enjoyed an event) = ‘client as scientist’
-use this as evidence to prove clients statements are incorrect

Question 3

Outline Ellis’s rational emotive behaviour therapy

Answer 3

-REBT extends the ABC model to an ABCDE model
-D =dispute
-E = effect
- Central technique is to identify & dispute negative thoughts
-disputing involves a vigorous argument

Question 4

What are the three main ways of challenging irrational beliefs?

Answer 4

logical disputing - are beliefs logical conclusions from information/facts available
empirical disputing- is there evidence to support negative belief

pragmatic disputing- are these beliefs useful to you

Question 5

What is behavioural activation?

Answer 5

-goal is to work with depressed individuals to gradually reduce avoidance & isolation & increase engagement in activities
-e.g. exercise, going out to dinner

Question 6

What is the evidence for the effectiveness of CBT?

Answer 6

March et al compared CBT to antidepressant drugs and also to a combination of both treatments when treating depressed adolescents
-after 36W 81% of the CBT group, 81% of antidepressant group & 86% of CBT plus AD group significantly improved
- CBT just as effective on own
-NHS first choice of treatment

Question 7

Explain why CBT is not suitable for diverse clients

Answer 7

• lack of effectiveness for severe cases of depression and clients with learning disabilities
  -severe cases= clients cannot motivate themselves to engage with cognitive work of CBT
  -unsuitable for treating depression in clients with LD
  Sturmey- any form of psychotherapy not suitable for people with LD

Question 8

What is a counter point to the fact that CBT is not effective for people with learning disabilities?

Answer 8

Taylor et al- when used appropriately CBT is effective for people with learning disabilities

Question 9

Explain why relapse rates are a limitation of CBT

Answer 9

-relapse rates are high
- concerns over how long benefits last
-Ali et al assessed depression in his clients every month for 12 months
42% of clients relapsed into depression within 6 months of ending treatment & 53% relapsed within a year